Mali PM urges 'not to panic' after coordinated attack by jihadists, separatists

An alliance of al-Qaida-linked militants and separatists carried out the largest coordinated attack in over a decade in Mali, marking a dangerous escalation in what is widely considered one of the world’s deadliest regions for extremist violence. 

 The capture of the city of Kidal in northern Mali by Tuareg separatists complicates the situation in the country, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Georgy Borisenko stated

"Unfortunately, Tuareg separatists have seized the northern city of Kidal and still control it," he said at a meeting of the Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs. "Armed clashes continue in some regions of the country. The rebels’ seizure of Kidal poses a major problem," the senior diplomat pointed out.

On April 25, radical groups launched coordinated attacks on several cities in Mali. Defense Minister Sadio Camara was killed.